The Weekend Lifestyler, December 9th 2022

Making beautiful scents

Kerry Carson has turned her candlemaking hobby into a career and established Creative Candles as a way to create a better work-life balance for her family. Using 100 per cent soy wax with a variety of scents, shapes and other products such as snuffs and diffusers, Kerry loves that her creations are enjoyed by many.

Enchanted by music

by Amy Fifita

“My mum put me into piano lessons at a young age, and I’ve been interested in music ever since and am thankful for the start she gave me,” Kathy says.

“Music was also a part of our journey when we lived in Auckland for 20 years. We built and operated Kiwi Valley, a tourism farm park with a cafe, childcare, riding school and maze. We added music as part of the park and began to jam with other musicians on-site as well, hence our band name — Raw Jam.”

After selling Kiwi Valley and leaving the city behind, Larry and Kathy settled in Mangawhai.

“We have played at the Mangawhai Tavern Markets since they started. We play songs from JJ Cale, Eric Clapton, Simply Red, Pink Floyd and many more. Those artists are part of what inspires us musically. We find the essence of each song and see where it leads us, and we write our own songs too — a new one is always around the corner.”

Larry says music is a language that everyone understands and it transcends various levels.

“We had lived in Wellsford 40 years ago and been to Mangawhai and loved it, so we decided to come and settle here after being in Auckland.

“We brought our love of music with us and began to explore our different talents and ideas. Larry made us a wonderful music room as a space for us to jam and develop our songs.

“We play to enjoy ourselves, and personal pleasure is the outcome, and it also gives other people joy when they listen to us. We do a jazzy blues interpretation. It is good music to dance to, and we have a diverse offering of sounds.

“We like to remix and play songs that are recognisable and that people remember. Younger people enjoy what we sing as well. We recently played at a relative’s birthday party and thought our music would be a little aged for the young generation, but when we finished our set, we were surprised that they loved it and then played Fleetwood Mac.

“Outside of the markets, we play at the Mangawhai Tavern and Te Whai Bay Winery and sometimes get a lead guitarist to play with us. Their social media likes increase when we perform and we are proud of that.

“We have been in Mangawhai for seven years now and enjoy being able to do what we do. We love everything about the area and that the environment and community lifestyle are magical.” ¢

u

Performers Kathy and Larry Parks began their band Raw Jam 15 years ago while running Kiwi Valley Farm Park in Henderson.

p Kathy has played the piano since she was a child after her mother put her in lessons

“We find the essence of each song and see where it leads us”

“We have done this for approximately 15 years now and absolutely love it,” says Carmen.

“We have lived here for 28 years, just up from the boat ramp — you can’t miss us. It started one day because we kept buying lights, and then I suggested we enter the competitions Whangārei was having, but we had to have the house ready by December 1.

“The one year we got them done on time was the year they stopped the competition, but we carried on every year anyway. You get addicted to creating the lights and end up buying more every year.

“Jeff climbs the ladder, and I hold it for him. The amount of wind has also meant we can’t get our blow-ups ready yet.

“At one stage, we used solar, but they are not very bright and don’t show up in photos so we changed to LED now. A few years ago, we added more power points to the house just for Christmas. Having LED is better than bulbs because when one bulb blew, we’d have to go through the whole row to find it.

“We don’t throw anything away, and when the LEDs go dim, we use them as fillers in the trees and spaces. Some people have given us money toward

the power, but we don’t like taking it because it’s not about that.

“We love the reaction we see on people’s faces when they come along, especially the children. They are always happy and delighted when they come to look. We used to have a few trees on each side of the property, and when people came around the corner, we’d suddenly hear the squeals of delight.

“We have Santa come on Christmas Eve giving out lollipops and a sleigh out the front where people take photos.”

Jeff and Carmen have a variety of models on display, including a flying aeroplane and a bunch of reindeer.

“The children love counting the reindeer. It’s like how they used to look for teddy bears in windows during the lockdowns. In the 2020 lockdowns, when people were struggling, we stuck our sign on our fence saying ‘coming soon’ and it was something people looked forward to — it really cheered them up.

“Our favourite display is the big tall tree in the centre — it looks like a Maypole and each strand has around 2,000 lights. Ultimately, we love providing the community, the opportunity to be delighted, that is what it is all about.”

“We are at 318 One Tree Point Road, and turn our lights on every night at 8.30pm every night and go through

until January 2. There are other houses in the area with lights up as well — it is beautiful.” ¢

u by Ann van Engelen

Jeff and Carmen Barnes are delighted to be preparing their annual Christmas light display at their home in One Tree Point.

p Jeff and Carmen Barnes’s hobby of decorating their house with lights at Christmas has become a passion over the years

“We love the reaction we see on people’s faces when they come along”

Christmas past

u by Jane Gray

I remember it like yesterday how Christmas was as a child.

Starting with Christmas eve when all the shops stayed open late, and in my small town, we had the Christmas parade. What a sight to behold, and so much effort put into the floats. Trucks that had paper mache Santa’s grottos, Santa being pulled by a bullock team dressed in reindeer horns, and Snoopy’s Christmas are just a few I can remember. The pipe band weaved their way into every shop, playing and hyping up the public prior to the parade — it was so exciting.

Most shops had stalls outside on the footpath with lots of little bits and pieces that the children could buy for their parents. Rotary or Lions were always very busy at the parade handing out lollies and lucky dips — it was all so much fun. When it was time to go home most children were exhausted, and ready for bed and to dream about the day to come.

I was always an early riser, but Christmas Day tended to be even earlier. That always caused a few issues as my siblings are quite a lot older and spent Christmas eve doing what teenagers do. I remember one Christmas quite

vividly. Santa decided that as part of my Christmas stocking he would give me a drum and harmonica, so with much joy, I decided I would start a marching band of one. What made it worse was our uncarpeted wood hallway. Well, the language to come out of the bedrooms was very ripe, and I decided it was best to go back to my room and investigate what else was in my stocking.

My father always thought it was great sport to take as long as possible to make a cup of tea on Christmas Day. We didn’t do presents until he had his cup of tea (or 100, just depending on how much he wanted to torture us). My dad is gone now, but he did that for as long as I can remember, and always with such a cheeky grin. Who played Santa was always a great debate on Christmas morning. Who was doing it and how it was to be managed was a family debate. Personally, as a kid, I just wanted my presents, and what did it matter who handed them out — as long as someone did. Our Christmas traditions never cost a fortune, but there was always a lot of fun, music and laughter. ¢

Wishing you a safe Christmas

Thank you for supporting me this year, and I hope my articles have provided you with some value — I appreciate you and all my readers.

I thought I would provide a list of dates for key tax payments due over the Xmas period to put in your calendar (with an alert) or preload in your internet banking. If you have questions or need help with any of the following, we are here to help.

Key Tax Dates – December 2022/ January 2023

• 20 December: RWT — RWT return and payment due for deductions from dividends and deductions of $500 or more from interest paid during November

• 20 December: PAYE — Small employers returns for November. Large employers’ returns for December. File employment information within two working days after payday

• 16 January 2023: PAYE — Large employers’ returns for December. File employment information within two working days after payday.

• 16 January 2023: Provisional Tax — Instalment due.

• 16 January: GST - Return and payment for November

• 20 January: PAYE — Large employers’ returns for January.

Small employers’ returns for December. File employment information within two working days after payday.

• 20 January: FBT — FBT return and payment for quarter ended 31 December due

• 30 January: GST — Return and payment for December

Note: provisional tax due dates apply to clients who have a March balance date. Different dates will apply for those clients who have different balance dates. Check with us if you’re not sure.

Anything keeping you up at night?

If you’re facing operational issues, tackling people challenges, or have health and safety questions, give us a call, email us or text us. We are here to help. Xero also offers free counselling and support for any friends or family (basically anyone, we can refer you) that need help; it is called Xero Assistance, if you need to look it up.

Finally, I wish you all a safe and relaxing Christmas and I look forward to hearing about those goals and New Year Resolutions for 2023. Meri Kirihimete. ¢

u by Corinne Smith, Director & Chartered Accountant

Culture shows unity

u by Ann van Engelen

The annual Ōtamatea Toi Māori Festival took place last Saturday at Ōtamatea High School, with guests enjoying kapa haka along with a variety of stalls and activities on-site.

“Ōtamatea Toi Māori is an annual kaupapa hosted by Ōtamatea High School,” says organiser Taira Phillips.

“This is an event where we see kura from the Kaipara rohe come together to celebrate our culture through kapa haka. This year’s festival was bigger than the previous, seeing nearly 500 visitors pass through our doors.

“There was an array of amazing performances from Kaukapakapa, Tauraroa, Mangawhai Beach, Maungatūroto, Kaiwaka, Ōtamatea High School, Ngā Tupuranga o Ngā Puna Reo, Te Komititanga from Te Uri o Hau and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngāringaomatariki.

“The crowd was full of energy and overflowing from the hall with cheers of laughter and clapping for the performers plus the in-between entertainment. We had kai stalls and tāonga shops where people were buying presents for whānau, and we had music, prizes and a lot of giveaways.

“Our absolute thanks goes to our sponsors who donated towards the festival but most of all we want to give a big mihi to the kura who stood and made the day what it was. We look forward to seeing you all next year. Mauri ora e te hapori.” ¢

p Maungatūroto Primary School students performing their kapa haka with pride

p Ōtamatea High School staff Samid Buksh, Llew Smart, Miriam Crosby, Taira Phillips, Nicky Cotching and Tina Holst at the event

p Ōtamatea High School students performed with confidence

p Rodney College’s Krystell Hemana, Sheldon Kerr-Woodford, De’Aundre Walker-Gardner and Dayshin Para joined the Ōtamatea group for the day

p Mangawhai Beach School was also an integral part of the festival

p Te Komititanga from Te Uri o Hau wowed the audiences with their performance

That dried look — it isn’t

u by Liz Clark

It’s always great to receive a bunch of long-stemmed roses — the beauty never lasts.

Still, it’s not all a bad thing. You can preserve your treasured roses by drying them or using a press to have them as a keepsake in a journal or scrapbook.

Drying flowers has been practised for centuries, and various techniques have been developed right into the 21st century. Airdrying is the best and most common method for roses and lavender. First of all, don’t wait too long before drying your flowers otherwise, the petals will start dropping off before you start.

Strip off the leaves from the stems and cut to the desired length — no shorter than 15cm. For flowers to

retain their colour, remove them from exposure to sunlight. Low light will help conserve the colour for an extended period.

Next, hang the flowers individually or gather them together into a bunch and secure with a rubber band. Ensure the location you choose is dark and dry with good air circulation. Tie the bottom of the flower stems on to a secure hanger, so they are hung upside down to dry. Leave them in position for two to three weeks until they are completely dry. Once they are dry, remove them and spray with unscented hairspray to protect the blooms.

Lavender requires a slightly different cutting technique. Cut the flowers just above the leaves when the buds are bright purple and near opening — ensure they have long stems. Take around 50 stems for the bunch and tie with a rubber band. It’s recommended to keep the bunches small for even drying. Hang them upside down in the same conditions as described in the previous paragraph. The flowers should take around two to four weeks to dry completely.

For more information about drying flowers, look online for more tips and techniques. ¢

Helping empower women

u by Ann van Engelen

Author Liz Holsted has been involved in the Zonta Club since 2002, when she was living on the North Shore of Auckland.

“I launched my book in June called The Stringing of Pearls. It is a memoir of my journey to find my birth family, and has had great reviews so far,” says Liz.

“I joined Zonta because I was looking for something that would make a positive difference in the world. I used to think, ‘what can little old me do to help other women’. I didn’t know anyone in Zonta at the time, but it has now become a passion. It is not like other clubs — we do so much below the radar.

“When I came to Mangawhai, there was no Zonta here — the nearest was Whangārei. I decided to join with other local women and see if we could start a club, and it came together and is a lovely

club, it certainly fills a gap. There is a lot to do for women of all ages.

“Zonta’s biggest mission is to support women and girls to make life-changing choices. I love that our voices join with hundreds of thousands of others to make a change and we make huge changes worldwide and nationally.

“We also support organisations like grandparents raising grandchildren. These are grandparents who have had court orders to look after their grandchildren because of family circumstances.

“When you are in your 60s and get custody of a baby or teens, it can be

tough. Not only do you not understand them, as life is different now, but you may need to learn to handle children again.

“We have had our Stop Violence Behind Closed Doors public displayed along the golf club fence, and it closes on December 10. It is a row of orange closed doors to bring awareness of domestic violence in our community, because people don’t think it happens here, but it does. One in three women will come into contact with some kind of abuse and it’s not just physical. It’s mental and emotional, which is so much harder to deal with.

“We also have scholarships such as The Spirit of New Zealand for

young women at local secondary schools and the Second Chance Award, helping women to further their educational studies.

“I have seen many ladies change through joining the club. Women really are caring, and they feel good when they can help others. Some don’t know anybody when they come along and end up with a great group of friends, and meeting new people can lead them on to other things in life.

“I encourage all ladies to join us at Zonta, there are so many reasons. People can find out more on the Zonta Club of Mangawhai Facebook page.” ¢

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p Liz Holsted at her The Stringing of Pearls book launch

p The Zonta Stop Abuse Behind Closed Doors can be seen along the the golf club fenceline

Festive activities in the bay

u by Amy Fifita

There are plenty of fun Christmas tasks to enjoy this month in Bream Bay and there

to revel in.

The big day is close approaching. Perhaps you and your families are likely planning the food and logistics of the busy but joyous occasion. Try not to get swallowed in the organisation side of the season and take a moment to enjoy a festive community event.

Waipū

The Waipū Golf Club is having its annual Christmas Cheer Tournament on Sunday, December 11. It is a mixed tournament and is open to the community and tickets will cost $30 for members and $40 for visitors. Be there at 9am to register for the event with the tee off starting at 10am.

The WGC that looks across the water to Whangārei Heads and the views are stunning. The course has recently undergone an irrigation makeover and the pōhutakawa trees have begun blooming, adding to the scenery.

Bring the whole family out for a night to remember on Christmas eve to witness the Promote Waipū parade. The seasonal fun commences at 7pm with floats by local schools, businesses and groups going through the main street of Waipū.

Santa will make his final appearance before returning to work to stack stockings full of gifts. The showcase is followed by a prize-giving at Caledonian Park for best dressed at 7.30pm.

Ruakākā

The Bream Bay Community Support Trust is celebrating the festivities with the area with its End of Year Celebration on Thursday, December 15, between noon and 2pm. It is geared up for volunteers who have given their time and efforts and anyone involved in its groups, progammes and services.

During 2022 BBCST has hosted men’s and women’s Community Connection, Waiata and Te reo classes, driver mentorship, Knitting Angels, Pātaka, community gardens and much more. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and time, and enjoy the get-together.

One Tree Point

Sing your heart out at the annual carol singing at Lifepoint Church at 300 One Tree Point Road on Sunday, December 18, at 5pm. A free dinner is included in the joyous occasion. You will be welcomed with wafts of spit-cooked lamb, amongst other tasty treats.

Following the feast, the musical merriments will begin at 6pm. You and your loved ones can gather around and spread joy with others at the

event and nearby onlookers. Enjoy the festivities in your community, and have a fun and wonderful Christmas. ¢

p Tee off and enjoy the pōhutakawa flowers blossoming at the Waipū Golf Course Christmas Cheer Tournament

Artists’ Christmas exhibition

u by Ann van Engelen

Artist Jocelyn Friis is one of more than 25 local artists with their work entered in the annual

exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery.

“The exhibition includes unframed prints, photographs, paintings in oil, watercolours and acrylics, ceramics and mosaics,” says Mangawhai Artists Wendy Leach.

“The aim is to profile the talent of our creative artists and provide the community with the opportunity to start or add to their art collection.”

Registrations are now being sought for the following season opening in August 2023, running until June 2024.

“Four artists’ work is on display in the reception area of the Kaipara District Council until the end of March, when a new display will be presented,” says coordinator Philippa Murray-Aynsley.

“Artists Linda Gilbert, Grace Cheng, Jocelyn and Edie Chappell each have a distinctive and captivating style. Their art

often

To make the pieces affordable and accessible, most work is priced at less than $300, with several items below $100.

“The works are relatively small at less than 405mm square meaning it’s easier to find wall space for the piece you fall in love with.

“For those new to Mangawhai, the Mangawhai Artists Gallery is located in the centre of Mangawhai village, next to the Library Hall and opposite Bennetts. The gallery hosts fortnightly exhibitions throughout the year and is fully booked through to June 2023.”

metaphors

is pensive, joyful, dramatic and uplifting, and fosters a welcoming atmosphere in the busy reception area.”

Jocelyn works in acrylics and encaustic medium, burning in colours as an inlay, bringing abstract expressionism to life in the exploration of her world.

“I have been involved in art for most of my life, but more seriously since I began selling 10 years ago,” says Jocelyn.

“With my Intrepid Journey painting, like most of my art, I often use naturebased metaphors that relate to our day-

to-day lives. Intrepid Journey, on the one hand, the process was a journey painting it, and I relate that to life as well and how we go through ups and downs and to me, sometimes intrepid times. So, to me — it is a metaphor of how life can be.

“I often find that in my work, I don’t pre-plan things, rather ideas come as I paint, sometimes through the moods or emotions I am feeling when I am painting. It is more of an intuitive response.

“I enjoy the Cash and Carry exhibition because it gives people that may not normally buy art the opportunity to purchase affordable art for themselves or for gift giving. I like having art at the council too, because people experience various pieces of art.

“The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 3pm from Friday, December 9, until midday Wednesday, December 21, at Mangawhai Artists Gallery 45 Moir Street.” ¢

p Jocelyn likes to use nature-based metaphors in paintings, often relating to the ups and downs of life

“I

use nature-based

that relate to our day-to-day lives”

Merrymaking in Mangawhai

u by Amy Fifita

Singers’ Concert

are in the spirit of Christmas

Mangawhai Museum is hosting two nights of joyous music with its Mangawhai Singers Concert on December 9 and 10 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost $20 and are to be bought at the museum before the event. All funds raised will help continue its efforts to educate and showcase the history of the area.

“Many of the ladies volunteer all across town, including here, and we have been gifted a new piano for the occasion. It is a great chance to see the Mangawhai Singers, support the museum and celebrate Christmas,” says museum manager Tom Long.

Santa Parade

All families can marvel at the various showcases from groups and businesses across the community at the Mangawhai Santa Parade, which is set for Sunday, December 11, at 1pm. The show will be an hour of fun, beginning at Alamar Crescent through Wood Street and concluding at the Mangawhai Activity Zone.

Father Christmas will star in the showcase and will be there for anyone wanting a photo with the jovial icon. The festivities continue with a prize giving for the floats, and the Bayleys children’s

playhouse winner is due to be drawn at 3pm. Get your raffle tickets from Bayleys Mangawhai; they cost $5 for one or $20 for five to be in with a chance to win.

Santa has plenty of presents to give to the children, and there will be face painting, a sausage sizzle and balloon crafts. The day finishes with a bang with a concert at the MAZ.

Christmas at St John Mangawhai St John Ambulance Station at 194 Molesworth Drive is still selling fresh trees and fundraising for the cause —it has been popular this year. They are asking that buyers spread the Christmas joy and post a photo of their decorated trees on the local Facebook community pages.

The St John Opportunity Shop is full of great little gift ideas at its new premises. It will remain open for seven days up before a break on Christmas. Trading hours are 10am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Sundays.

“Thank you to all the volunteers and the support from the community. It is a gift to be open at our new shop. We wish everybody a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year,” says St John Opportunity Shop manager Frances Kennelly. ¢

p St John has asked for Mangawhai to share some Christmas joy with the community and post a photo of your Christmas trees on the local Facebook page for everybody to enjoy

Christmas on the highway

u by Amy Fifita

It

Kaiwaka

Have your skates ready. Kaiwaka Primary is inviting the community in for a Christmas Disco. It is a gold coin donation event, and there will be fresh cooked sausages and refreshments on sale by the Parent Teacher Association and glow sticks to set the scene. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed-up with a chance to win one of the best-dressed prizes.

Ashwood Construction’s Lee and Jerri Branford are giving back to the people and businesses of Kaiwaka with a localised giveaway to members of the township and the neighbouring realms.

Information for each draw will be on the Kaiwaka Community Facebook page and announced every Saturday until Christmas Eve. Their daughter, Frankie Branford draws the winners. The first prize was a $50 voucher to Black Velvet Cafe, and the next giveaway item is underway.

“We wanted to do it because Christmas time is about giving, and it has been a rough year for Kaiwaka. It

is for the local people, and it helps put local businesses on the map,” Jerri says.

“It makes me feel good, especially because in our community, we help each other, and we wanted to be part of that. We hope everybody has a merry Christmas and New Year.”

Wellsford

Local churches have banded together to create the Christmas Carols in the Park event. It will be at the Wellsford Memorial Park on Saturday, December 17, from 5.30pm to 8pm. Entertainers from the area will showcase their musical talents in high festive spirits — the Christmas story will be told for all to enjoy.

The township has a large variety of other gift ideas. The Wellsford Friday Night Markets continue with plenty of present options for your family and friends. They are located at 1 Matheson Road, 4pm–8pm.

Support the local artisans and visit the Owl Community Hub. Crafters, jewellers, sculptors, painters, weavers and many more have put their hearts into creating

art forms perfect for your loved ones. Pop into 120 Rodney Street to view the myriad of options. Opening hours vary, so check with them at facebook.com/ owlcommunityhubwellsford.

Creekside & Co have a range of wooden Christmas decorations and

antiques. While you’re shopping, treat yourself to its cafe filled with caffeine goodness and tasty food.

It is across the road from the Tomarata Rugby Club and is open from Monday to Friday between 6.30am and 1.30pm. ¢

p Owl Community Hub Wellsford manager Paul McRae welcoming people into the store for Christmas

Making beautiful scents

u by Ann van Engelen

Kerry Carson traded her full-time hairdressing career for making beautifully scented decorative candles calling her business Creative Candles.

“My husband Paul and I moved to Mangawhai with our two daughters three years ago,” said Kerry.

“I grew up in the Ramarama in the Franklin area, on a five-acre lifestyle block and did a hairdressing apprenticeship when I finished school 25 years ago. Paul and I moved here because he is a brewer and secured work at Sawmill Brewery in Matakana. He is also a greenkeeper and began working at the local golf club three months ago and is loving it. I love candles and took up candle making as a hobby, so I could refill my used candle jars to recycle them. I completed a candle-making course a few years ago, and when we moved here I decided to get into candle-making a bit more professionally.

“I went from refilling my own candle jars as a hobby to doing my first market

the weekend before we went into the first lockdown. I spent the time over Covid experimenting and set up my online store this year and made it into a business. I am now a regular at Mangawhai Tavern Markets and the monthly Warkworth market.

“Sadly, my mother passed away from lung cancer a few years ago, which made me very mindful of the air and products we breathe. She had a rare form of cancer. Who knows what it would have been from, and I learned that we need to be careful when buying candles because candles from certain places can have toxic ingredients that are not good to breathe in.

“I use 100 per cent soy wax. My products are paraffin and phthalatefree, and the wax and fragrance oils are not tested on animals.”

Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable. They are often called plasticisers. Some phthalates are used to help dissolve other materials and are in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, soaps, shampoos and hair sprays.

“Soy is good because it is vegan and 100 per cent natural plant-based. It has no toxins and burns well. My candles vary in burn time with my 250-gram candle burning for 60-plus hours and my 500-gram 100 hours if people do the first burn correctly.

“The first burn should be lighting the candle and allowing up to four hours to get a melt pool for the outer edge — this forms a memory meaning you won’t have any wastage. If you extinguish it before it gets to the outer edge, it will always burn

“Once made the candles need time to cure and harden, this also lets the fragrance and wax infuse and do their thing”

p Kerry Carson has been enjoying building her candle-making business for the past three years

to that spot. That is why people end up with a tunnel at times.

“I don’t add anything to the candles; it is pure wax and fragrance oil. I feel people who put dried flowers in candles are unknowingly selling a fire hazard. One lady added shells to her candles and was surprised to see them catch fire. We have heard crystals attract heat, too, and are known to explode. They are also possible fire and safety hazards.

“Once made the candles need time to cure and harden, this also lets the fragrance and wax infuse and do their thing.

“I like making my decorative shaped candles. I did the skull for Halloween, and they became popular in general. I encourage people to burn them, not leave them as an ornament. I chose a certain wick size so they are less messy to burn, but they still need to be on a heatproof saucer, and safe flat surface.

“I have a variety, including roses, pillars, spheres, a rainbow and bubble cubes. Creating them is quite

therapeutic. I put my music on and relax — it certainly doesn’t feel like a job at all.

“Being a candle lover, I started making reed and car diffusers as well using a diffuser base oil plus a special fragrance oil. They are little hanging bottles and work really well in cars or any small space. I have one in my linen cupboard. The fragrant oil diffuses through the wooden lid while it is hanging.

“They last up to three months if you refresh them once a week. To refresh the fragrance, you tip the bottle upside down as the scent fades off the wooden cap.

“I had a lot of fun choosing my beautiful scents. I have a wide selection, and my most popular are the black raspberry and vanilla and the French pear and coconut lime. The candles are similar, with flower bomb and one million type men’s fragrance is very well-liked.

“I love going to the markets and being amongst the fun vibes and meeting new people. It is always good having regulars come back too. I refill empty jars for

people, and that makes it fun because they can change the scent each time. The soy wax is carefully blended with a unique plant-based emulsifier, so you can expect beautiful creamy candles with a strong scent. The fragrance goes quite far in a room. I sell snuffers, because it puts the flame out safely.

“Candles should never be left burning if you go out, and snuffing is better than blowing it out because, again, it can be a fire hazard. A small spark can go far unseen and start a huge fire. Getting a wick trimmer as well means you can trim the wick before each burn, and that prevents sooting and gives you a cleaner burn with no smoke. It is all the little things that people don’t realise.

“My fragrant oils have an environmental protection authority certified, which means they are safe to use. I did a lot of testing of fragrances to see what I liked and got peoples’ opinions as well because I tried to balance more of a variety of citrus and fruity, floral and earthy. Even after three

years, there is still a bit of trial and error. I have my creativecandlesnz website, and my Facebook page is Creative Candles — it has the gold script writing on the profile picture.

“I make lip balm which is all-natural too. I make them with coconut oil, avocado oil, beeswax, mango butter, and flavouring. There are no nasties in them — they are nice and moisturising, and the beeswax has a small amount of natural SPF.

“It makes me happy when my customers enjoy my products. Paul is very supportive of what I do, and I think I will be making candles for a long time. It has been fun building my business, and I am lucky that I have been able to create a better work-life balance for our family.

“We love that it fits in with our children’s sports and other family events. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than being able to light a candle in the evening when the children have gone to bed and being able to sit there relaxing with a cup of tea.” ¢

“I had a lot of fun choosing my beautiful scents. I have a wide selection, and my most popular are the black raspberry and vanilla and the French pear and coconut lime”

p To help customers be sustainable and recycle their used candle jars, Kerry offers a refilling service with any choice of fragrance

p Kerry makes her candles in a variety of shapes and with various scents, catering for all types of occasions

p All of Kerry’s candles, diffusers and lip balms are made with natural products

by Ann van Engelen

excited to be holding the second annual Xmas Letterbox decorating challenge to brighten up the township. “Promote Waipū is a group of business and community volunteers who get together to run events and help promote our town,” says committee member Monique Wheat.

“Last year, we couldn’t hold the Christmas Parade, which had been going on for years due to Covid restrictions. We came up with the idea to have people decorate their letterboxes as a competition as a way to bring the Christmas spirit to town.

“We gave away starter kits to get people inspired and people loved getting into the festivities. We had lots of incredible entries. There were letterboxes dressed as reindeer, lights, and keeping with the Scottish theme, we had a Highland Coos, a Scottish breed of bull.

“Because Waipū is quite big with farms, coastal areas and the township, the decorations are seen throughout our little area. You drive along the area and see the decorated letterboxes everywhere. It adds to the holiday fun, especially coming into summer and

visitors arriving in the area. It is nice to have our town decorated, and it gets the community involved.

“Lots of children come up with ideas and it is a great way to start the holiday season. Waipū gets really festive. People here get into the spirit of things with Christmas lights on their houses, and families walk around checking out all the lights together. We build a really nice atmosphere together.

“Promote Waipū runs networking events and fun events throughout the year, like Winter in Waipū, to promote local businesses locally and our town to the wider areas. There are so many neat things to do, and we love getting people involved. It is a great way to connect with others, meet new people and have fun.

“To join the Xmas Letterbox competition, people can collect free decorations from Penny at Northpine

Cottage at 36 Cove Road, Waipū. Give it your best shot and decorate your letterbox, take a photo and maybe tell us a story about your design and email them through to secretary@promotewaipu.co.nz by December 15.

“We have arranged for Santa to come and give first, second and third place-getters their prizes on December 17 before he returns for the Christmas parade on December 24.

“Waipū is the last Christmas parade in the whole of New Zealand. We are looking forward to having our parade again this year. A lot of local businesses enter floats, and it is quite competitive with great prizes. We love seeing the amazing turn out of people in the streets, and then we will be gathering together for the Highland Games on New Year’s Day.” ¢

p Promote Waipū committee members Bruce Larsen as the elf and Graham Boult giving away decoration starter kits for the Waipū Xmas Letterbox competition

p The Highland Coos took first place in the letterbox competition last year

p A gingerbread house appeared at 831, adding colour to the street and won second place in 2021

ACROSS: 1 Fetches, 4 Grievances, 9 Blemish, 13 Asia, 14 Gigolo, 15 Locust, 16 Farrier, 19 Colleagues, 20 Antidote, 21 Sieve, 24 Awning, 25 Tomato, 27 Apartheid, 32 Becoming, 33 Skinny, 34 Organza, 38 Eyesight, 39 Prison, 40 Cold, 41 Spell, 42 Twang, 45 Crocodile tears, 52 Clear, 55 Stake, 56 Love, 57 Junior, 58 Distress, 61 Erudite, 62 Circus, 63 Obstacle, 66 Neglected, 68 Lagoon, 69 Ignore, 73 Feign, 74 Mandolin, 76 Pirouettes, 81 Stooped, 82 Silage, 83 Absorb, 84 Cove, 85 Irksome, 86 Assistance, 87 Eminent.

DOWN: 1 Franc, 2 Trifling, 3 Stingy, 4 Grove, 5 Idol, 6 Volcano, 7 Nicety, 8 Eased, 10 Lead, 11 Martini, 12 Swerve, 17 Meandering, 18 Start, 22 Kangaroo, 23 Churn, 24 Ancient, 26 Omit, 28 Panache, 29 Gothic, 30 Fiancé, 31 Azalea, 33 Sushi, 35 Appal, 36 Feta, 37 Slur, 43 Waters, 44 Naked, 46 Riot, 47 Chemise, 48 Deject, 49 Lungs, 50 Thorough, 51 Spiral, 52 Catalogues, 53 Eyes, 54 Reserve, 59 Still, 60 Oslo, 64 Ocean, 65 Porthole, 67 Engross, 68 Lenient, 70 Pewter, 71 Alkali, 72 Source, 75 Dries, 77 Issue, 78 Sweet, 79 Germ, 80 Gain.